Year

January 2005 - Region 9 - Sheryl Haydock-Howorth

GUYS & DOLLS

Dukinfield A.O. & D.S.

Director Melvyn Bates
Choreographer Jean Ashworth
Musical Director Paul Firth

The staging of this show should be given full marks. Scenery provided by Proscaenium looked professional and moved with ease, and with some very effective lighting gave the just the right atmosphere required. Some authentic props supplied by Howorth Wrightson and costumes by Homburgs completed the overall effect.

Congratulations to all the production team lead by Melvyn Bates. Attention to detail was paid to all the characters, whether in dialogue, vocal or movement and with some strong ensemble work couldn't fail to set a good standard.

From the moment the overture began I could tell we were in for a great show with Paul Firth setting the pace. The difficult 'Fugue for Tinhorns' showed three excellent and experienced people in Rodney T Cadd, Scott Lees and Andy Gibbs (Nicely-Nicely, Benny and Rusty). Once again husband and wife team Nigel Griffiths and Samantha Bates were fabulous as Nathan and Adelaide. Having seen Michael Mills in a previous show as a good 'baddie' he took a while to grow on me in the part of Sky Masterson, but he worked hard and sang with ease. Sarah Thewlis was by far the best Sarah Brown I have seen and another good performance came from Mike Styan as Arvide Abernathy. His rendition of 'More I Cannot Wish You' was very sincere. With other very good supporting principals, one cameo role must not go unmentioned and that was the 'drunk' played by Bill Owen. His comedy is so good, there is sometimes no need for dialogue. If there were ever an award for comedy he would surely win it.

This show needs to be slick with a quick delivery and it was. Jean Ashworth gave us some fabulous choreography throughout and I also enjoyed 'Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat'.

On a final note, a very, very special congratulations to Norma Deane (with an 'E') who was this year awarded a Special Award by NODA for her tireless work, not only for her society but also in saving Tameside Theatre back in the 70s. Norma has served amateur theatre since 1948 when she joined Dukinfield as an acting member. She was elected to the Ladies' Committee from 1958-1961 and in 1963 was appointed Secretary, a position she held for some 18 years. In 1973 Norma was made a Life Member and in 1981 became Chairman of the Society. Without Norma's efforts, dedication and determination, Tameside Theatre just wouldn't be around for so many of us to enjoy. So, my sincere thanks, on behalf of everyone in the theatre world, and I wish you better health, lots of happy operatic days - and long may you reign. Thank you so much for your kind hospitality.

THE WIZ

Lees St Congregational Church AM & DS

Director Linda Stevenson
Choreographer Aimee Makinson
Musical Director Collette Ainscow

This 'up beat' version of The Wizard of Oz is very appealing to societies with young members. The storyline is basically the same the only difference being there are three witches in this one and of course the musical numbers are different. However, we still follow Dorothy's journey to see the Wiz along with her three friends.

Dorothy was played by a rather shy Lucy Johnson. Lucy has a nice singing voice but needs to show a more confidence, and smile a little more. Carrie Brown as the Scarecrow had the right approach to the part with some good expressions, a little more care on diction would benefit this performer. Marc Stevenson tried hard in the part of the Tinman, keeping in character throughout.

A very promising performance came from Tony Petrykowski as the Lion. He had a good clear voice, good use of face and the audience warmed to him. All three witches helped to link the show well together. Another strong performance came from The Wiz played by Karl Wardlaw. Congratulations to all the Munchkins and Gatekeeper, Michael Taylor.

It was such a shame that you did not have the audiences that you deserved. I am sure that those who did see the show enjoyed their evening. Many thanks for the beautiful flowers and your very kind hospitality, it was very much appreciated.

SOUTH PACIFIC

New Mills AODS

Director: Dianne Aspinall
Dance Mistress: Carolyn Dent
Musical Director: David Chapman

With South Pacific it should never be taken for granted that the songs will pull it all together. You have to get the storyline across and be convincing throughout. This is not just a musical, but is based on a real events that actually happened in the Pacific. Thankfully this production did just that.

The beach scene with Bloody Mary and Dames was very strong and showed each man in good voice. Beverley Critchlow made a lovely Nellie, with just the right amount of dizziness but also showed a strong emotional side to her character. She was very well cast against John McInnes as Emile. John's performance was strong and sincere with both humour and emotion combined with a lovely singing voice. Angela Hulme was great as Bloody Mary, her facial expressions and use of her hands spoke volumes, a fine performance. Barry Aspinall as Luther Billis was in great form and suited the part down to the ground. Cable played by Simon Green was a little disappointing in his acting. His singing was good, and he certainly looked the part, but I felt he was lacking in emotion. Kirsty Mayall as Liat was well suited to the part. Well done to Sean Stennings, (Stewpot) Simon Mayall (Professor), Jasmine Senior and Sam Peach as the children.

With excellent scenery and effective lighting this was a good production. The main thing that came across to the audience, was that everyone on stage enjoyed themselves. Well done to you all and thank you for your very kind hospitality.

42nd STREET

Stockport Operatic Society

Director John Harrison
Musical Director Claire Sweeney
Choreographer Shellie-Beth Sinclair
Asst. Choreographer Jemma Prescott

This show is either a choreographer's dream or a nightmare. Shellie-Beth Sinclair proved once again what a great imaginative choreographer she is. Her work is so interesting, never boring and always looks good. What impressed me about this production, is that everyone on stage looked as thought they were having fun.

Heading the principals was the very accomplished Liz Kolodziej as Dorothy Brock. Liz had a full understanding of this role and didn't miss a laugh. Her scene with Peggy Sawyer when they sing 'About a Quarter-to-Nine' was the first time I have seen it performed with total believability, a very professional performance indeed. Andrew Summers was well cast in the part as Julian Marsh and Jennifer Taylor made a lovely Peggy Sawyer, she was young, full of enthusiasm and a breath of fresh air, which is required for this part. Nicky Mead as Maggie Jones was excellent, giving a vibrant performance and well teamed up with Ron Sugden as Bert Barry. This was Adam McDiarmid's first principal role and I would say certainly not his last. He worked hard as Billy Lawlor, and sang with ease and I am sure we shall see more of him in the future. Some other good supportive principals added to the atmosphere of the show.

Congratulations to Claire Sweeney who gave this show pace with a great orchestra. John Harrison should be proud of everyone taking part and particularly to his production and back stage teams. The scenery (Albermarle) although 'big' looked good, and had some creative lighting. Well done Stockport, this was a good choice of show. Thank you all for your kind hospitality.

LES MISÉRABLES

Mossley Next Generation

Artistic Director: Colin Ward
Musical Director: Dave Chapman
Associate Director: Martyn CH Preston
Associate Musical Director: Claire Crebbin
Choreographer: Tracy Rontree

Absolutely spell binding is the only way to describe this production. With superb casting, an imaginative production team this can only be described as a wonderful team effort both on and off the stage.

My first congratulations must to go to John Buckley, who once again designed a most spectacular set, with trap doors around a cat walk and a revolving barricade. John puts so much thought into his designs that even the professional scenery companies and other societies, call him before a show has ended, to buy/hire his work - what an accolade that is. The excellent lighting added to the atmosphere of this set and as usual the sound was good. With fabulous choral work Dave Chapman (MD) and his team must be very proud of this cast.

Jean Valjean (Daniel Winters) although slight in stature, proved to be very convincing in the role. He certainly sang with a great deal of emotion and aged physically in his movements throughout the show. Another strong and excellent performance came from Ian Curran as Javert. Full of domination and strength and excellent vocal work. Fantine (Sherri Phillips), Eponine (Joanne Farrow) and Cosette (Alice McGreevy) gave warm sincere performances and had most of the audience in tears. Anthony J Quimby as Marius had just the correct feeling for this role and was again most convincing. Chris Haigh as Enjolras the leader of the students was also well cast and understood his role completely. Comedy came in the form of the Thénadiers played by Jack Monaghan and Rebecca Fallon. Two natural comedians in the making, completely convincing and with excellent rapport. Congratulations to Sam Peach as the impish Gavroche; a very promising performance and certainly a name to watch out for in the future. A clear singing voice also came from Catherine Hill as the young Cosette.

The chorus of young people were totally convincing throughout this production. Each one characterised in a different way, and each one remaining in character at all times. The MD also gave many of these youngster the chance to shine with some solo singing, and we were rewarded with some super voices and names to
look out for in principal roles for the future.

As I said at the outset 'spellbinding'. A performance worthy of a larger theatre and a longer run. How to better this? We shall have to wait and see. Thank you all for a wonderful night and for your hospitality.

ANNIE

Centre Stage Youth Theatre Company

Director and Choreographer: Jean Clarke
Musical Director: Ian Mackintosh

The musical Annie is always a great favourite with audiences. Indeed, how can it fail with enthusiastic youngsters, some great songs, a definite feel good factor and a happy ending.

There were some excellent individual performances in this show. Jess Aartse-Tuyn in the title role was a cute and confident Annie with a great singing voice. She was also a very poised actress and to her credit was not at all put off when Sandy the dog decided to 'help out' by joining her in her solo 'Tomorrow'. Full marks also for hanging on to Sandy when she suddenly got an attack of stage fright and tried to run off during the song.
Annie was well supported by the Orphans. Their version of 'Hard Knock Life' was extremely well presented with some nice touches of choreography.

Jo Cuttell was a splendidly evil and manipulative Miss Hannigan. She maintained her character throughout and it was a pleasure to listen to her sing with her powerful voice and excellent diction.
Chris Little as Warbucks was another excellent singer and he gave a very believable performance as an older man, which is not always easy for a young man to do. His scenes with Annie were quite poignant.

Sarah Wright was excellent as Grace, Mr Warbucks' Secretary. This was another very confident portrayal with an excellent singing voice and great stage presence.

Congratulations should also go to Paul Garbett as President Roosevelt, Helen Briggs, Hannah Byrne and Emily Cardall as the Boylen sisters, James Masterson as Rooster and Ruth Kingdon as Lily St. Regis.

I felt on occasions, however, that the large orchestra was a little too powerful for some of the younger voices, particularly if they only had a small part and were not mic'd, but this did not detract from the overall performance. Centre Stage should be very pleased with this performance of Annie. It was a most entertaining evening and I should like to thank you all for your hospitality.
(Margaret Taylor)

BLUEBEARD

Hyde Little Theatre

Director Janice C Haughton
Musical Director Glenys Slater
Choreographer Kathryn Shenton

This director always gets the most from her cast with so much attention paid to detail. Some effective scenery and lighting helped to make this plot work. Bluebeard is one of the lesser known pantomimes, but is full of the usual fun and banter.

John Bloor played a good Mr Rockbottom quickly establishing his character. His two daughters Ruby (the Dame) played by Jeff Dudley and Flora (Jemma Marshall) were well chosen for these roles. Both had humour and worked well with other members of the cast. Our principal boy Robin (Shelley Ridler) was confident and in good voice.

Comedy came in the form of Fetch and Carrie (Paul Book and Vanessa Brooks) a very good team in these two. The audience loved them. Stuart Wilkie as Bluebeard is a resident baddie for this society and plays the part with ease, he was very well assisted by Mark Sattler as Lurkin, who's evil character was also full of mischief and fun. With no fairy in this plot, we were kept guessing until the very end who would save the day. It turned out to be Mrs Shivers, played excellently by Paula Waddacor, who I think must have had a touch of backache each night having to maintain that 'stance' for long periods of time. What a great character she added to this pantomime .

Many congratulations to all the chorus and dancers, who put their 'all' into the performance. This was once again a good standard with a great deal of thought going into it. Thank you for your kind hospitality during the evening.

HONK!

Brookdale Theatre

Director: Elaine Williams
Musical Director: Anne Melling

This show is certainly one for all the family. It's fun, has some wonderful characters and is very entertaining.

Ugly, played by Craig Ledbrooke, quickly established his character showing some excellent acting skills and strong singing throughout. He worked well alongside all the rest of the cast. Mum and Dad (Ida and Drake) were well portrayed by Sally Jolley and David Carlise, both of whom sang with ease, and had a great deal of humour. Bruce Bundey made a wonderful sinister cat using a strong French accent throughout. The audience certainly enjoyed 'booing' him. Another good character was Bullfrog, who 'rivited' his way around the stage. Congratulations to all other principals who were well cast in their roles, the ducklings and particularly to the chorus, who looked as though they had a wonderful time.

This was a well staged show that flowed and had a good pace. Some interesting ideas from the production team with both the set, costumes and lighting and all paid off beautifully. Well done on a great show, very entertaining indeed. Thank you also for your kind hospitality it was much appreciated by Bob and myself.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Macclesfield Majestic Theatre Group

Director/Choreographer: Carolyn Farrish-Mayer
Musical Director: Heather Hayes-Wilson

I think that this show is a very bold choice for any amateur theatre group to tackle, because not only is it musically and technically difficult, it is also extremely emotional. Macclesfield Majestic Theatre Group under the direction of Carolyn Famish-Mayer pulled this off in spectacular style. I particularly liked the cross which was lit during the playing of the overture, it really focussed the mind on what was to come. It was also used to great effect at the end of the show when Jesus died and the lights immediately blacked out. The audience sat for a moment, hardly daring to break the emotion and tension with any applause.

Stephen Clayton in the title role gave a towering performance with an excellent stage presence. His acting and singing had exactly the right blend of authority and tenderness, and he looked just as I had always imagined that Jesus would look.

Robbie Medina as Judas was excellent in this difficult and unsympathetic role and his acting skills, together with those of Stephen Clayton really brought out the tension of the situation in the scenes between the two men.

Emily Knutton as Mary Magdalene gave a beautifully emotional performance and her singing was a particular delight to hear in the lovely 'I Don't Know How to Love Him'.

Perfect characterisations were again evident from Steve Donnelly as Pilate and Nigel Wells as Herod.
The Apostles led by Sid Smith as Simon and Peter Hazelwood as Peter gave splendid individual characterisations of Jesus followers, being in turn bold, brash and full of bravado, and then as the events unfolded towards the crucifixion, they became sad, disillusioned and fearful. Caiaphus was well sung by Tony Slater and was well supported by Kevin Clarke as Arias and the two priests played by Mike Raymond and Paul Yandell_

This was a powerful and very good performance, accompanied by an excellent orchestra under the direction of Heather Hayes-Wilson. Thank you for a most enjoyable evening.
(Margaret Taylor)

SNOW WHITE and the Seven Dwarfs

GODS

Director: Mike Webb
Musical Director: James Mycroft
Choreographer: Melanie Bowler

Pantomime season is upon us and for my first taste of this I was invited along to see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. What a good opening pantomime - full of life, enthusiasm and fun!

This was a very colourful show and considering this was the opening night, this was one to be proud of. There was good chorus work, and some promising youngsters.

Zara Fearnley in the title role gave an assured performance and sang with confidence. Prince Lorenzo was played by Paul Sargison and together they made a very good team. Another very good performance came from Majella Moriarty as Morgania the wicked witch. She had worked hard on her character and was evil in just the right places. Brenda Peck made a good fairy whilst fun and laughter came in the form of Muddles played by Matthew Cox. The other baddie of this pantomime was Herman played by Eddie Vick. Congratulation to all the dwarfs. Each part well characterised and sustained throughout. The magic mirror was very effective and well thought out.

With good scenery and lighting this was a very entertaining evening. Thank you for your very kind hospitality.

THE SUNSHINE BOYS

Brookdale Theatre

Director Neil Lingwood

This Neil Simon play is extremely well written and very funny. The gags, comedy and sketches have it all and you cannot fail to be entertained by the antics of the two main characters.

Roger Haslam and Ian McEwen were well cast in the title roles of Willie Clarke and Al Lewis. Both had wonderful facial expressions and had worked hard to perfect their characters. New comer Paul Briggs as Ben Silverman made a good attempt at the part, but never looked fully relaxed and confident. I am sure that this will soon be overcome as more experience is gained. Sonia De La Moitie made a great sexy nurse, she had just the right approach and didn't overdo it.

The set was good and well constructed. I am sure that this play, with a little more rehearsal, could have been a winner. Thank you for your kind hospitality.

THE MIKADO

Poynton G & S Society

Co-Directors: Richard Huggett & Anne Allwright
Musical Directors: Catherine Silman & David Tibbles

This is the first time I have seen a production by Poynton G & S and I am pleased to say I was not disappointed. There was some strong choral work throughout from the gentlemen of Japan and the ladies of Titipu and I was particularly pleased to see so many youngsters in this show.

Playing the role of Nanki-Poo, Peter England was in fine voice. Roey Darling was well cast in the role of Yum-Yum. She sang with clarity and was very well supported by Jeanette Wood, and Anne Allwright as the two other little maids. An excellent performance came from Ian Whitfield as Pooh-Bah, as he schemed his way through the plot with good humour while his support came from Dave Matthews as Pish-Tush. John Turner playing Ko-Ko worked hard throughout, but unfortunately his 'Tit Willow' rendition lacked some of the humour. John and Liz Humphreys were good choices for The Mikado and Katisha and helped to give this cast list a good balance.

Overall, this was a good show, well costumed and good use made of the stage. Congratulations to the production team and many thanks for your very kind hospitality; it was lovely to meet you backstage.

IT AIN'T HALF HOT MUM

Mossley AODS

Director: Nigel Marland
Musical Director & Choreographer: Rodney Cadd

Many will remember this series shown on TV which helped to make famous Don Estelle and Windsor Davies. The fun and humour which emerged amid the Burmese jungle whilst putting on their concert show for the troops, came back to life in this production. Of course the audience were the troops and we all had to join in, which helped to make this a fun evening.

Well done to Steve Maxfield who played Sgt. Williams, not only did he sound like Windsor Davies, but the resemblance was astonishing. John Hankin played Sugden (Lofty) and once again brought to life the very talented Don Estelle character. They were very ably supported by troops, Mark Galvin as Atlas, Ian Curran as Nosher, Ian Norgate as Parky, Edward Mallon as Nobby and Paul Firth who we would normally see leading an orchestra, playing the part of Beaument. Tony Thompson and Martyn Preston played the very British Officers with ease and excellent comedy timing. It was good to see Rodney Cadd not only playing Paderewski but also the piano, a hidden talent indeed. The only female part went to Margaret Thompson as Sgt. Gregory, very much the jolly hockey stick part and well performed. A wonderful performance was given by Carl Morgan as Char Wallah. Not once did his character or his accent slip and he was just fun to watch.

John Buckley once again designed a superb set. His excellent ideas would be welcome by any professional scenery organisation. I am sure that director Nigel Marland is very happy with this production, it was certainly an excellent opening night and one that brought back many memories to many people. Thank you for your very kind hospitality.